Retail industry

Bill and Boris sup in Helsinki

Article Abstract:

The enlargement of Nato will be the main issue at the forthcoming summit meeting between Bill Clinton and Boris Yeltsin. On this issue, there is a clear advantage with Clinton, and for this reason some observers in Russia have been saying that Yeltsin is making a mistake in attending the summit at all. Yeltsin has made dramatic come-backs in the past, but he will be very fortunate to do so at this stage. For Clinton, a successful summit would help to divert attention from difficulties in domestic politics.

Yeltsin: I'll see it through

Article Abstract:

Russian President Boris Yeltsin is coming under growing pressure to give up some of his wide-reaching constitutional powers as the country's political and economic crisis deepens. He has expressed willingness to make some concessions, but has emphasized that he does not intend to resign. There has been a dramatic shift away from the Russian currency, with many people seeking to purchase foreign currency. Governments and banks across the world are seeking to prevent a total collapse of the Russian economy.

Russian president Boris Yeltsin has recently been campaigning in the far north, where miners, who in the past enjoyed a relatively privileged way of life, are now facing serious economic hardship. The region experiences extreme weather conditions, and life there for ordinary people is very hard. Yeltsin will find it very hard to gain support among these people, but there are still a few who do not wish to see a return to Soviet power.